Murut Culture at Marais Center, Sabah

A great place for you to experience Murut culture is at their community-based Marais Center, located at Kampung Marais in Tenom, Sabah. And I was made to understand that Marais Center is managed by Koperasi Marais Centre where its main objective is to promote sustainability and improve the livelihood of the community here.

This beautiful village is enveloped by mountains, surrounded by paddy field surrounded with river and creeks. Activities offered here depicts their daily lifestyle that has been inherited many generations ago, amongst it are paddy cultivation, rubber tapping, lanjung weaving (a type of Sabah rattan basket), barksloth making (Murut traditional attire), bead crafting and many more. Other activities that for the city folks might be interested paddy field and hillside cycling, rubber tapping, fishing net and trap making and perhaps cooking local delicacies. Of course, these activities have a nominal cost attached to it, worry not as it is not pricey (unless you plan to partake in all activities).

We were also introduced to the Murut traditional attire and some of us donned in their traditional attire for cultural experience. Murut men traditional attire consist of tree bark vest or babaru puputul, a red loincloth, and a headdress decorated with Argus pheasant feathers.

Traditional Attire

Bark Vest (Babaru Puputul)
It is made of the puputul tree, the vest is later decorated with bead motifs. The bark vest is paired with loincloths (aba puputul). You can usually see red is being used as it symbolizes bravery in Murut culture.

Loincloths (Aba Puputul)
Two meters long cloth made of the inner bark of a puputul tree. The cloth worn on the waist where it is passed between the legs. Cotton cloth is used to attached at the front and back part (apron like). Red cloth is common because red is used to symbolise bravery. Sinuzu motifs can be seen on the cloth.

Image credit to : https://www.facebook.com/mrkaamatankunak/

Lalandau or Tupi Sinulatan
Tupi Sinulatan is taken from the word sinulat which means weaving. It is a tree-bark head gear, some were decorated with Argus pheasant feathers (local call it as Tawou).

The other thing that fascinated me was the ladies’ head gear that resulted to me seeking permission to buy them, unfortunate they have none to spare so I told them I wanna have a picture with it. Oh yah, I bought their beautiful bead neckless.

Traditional Dance
Murut Timugon tribe from Tenom is famous for the Magunatip dance, the word Magunatip originated from the word ‘apit’ which means ‘jepit’ or pinch. This dance is commonly known as bamboo dance, performed with two bamboo poles clapping together to the gong rhythm. Dancers will skip/jump in a timing (to the rhythm) to avoid their feet being clapped.

Delicacy

Local delicacy is one not to be missed especially their ampurau, umbus, tuhau, hinava and many more. He ingredients were sources locally and cook with love, a must try and one can easily fall in love with the taste – simple, light and easy on the tummy.

Marais Center

Kampung Marais
Tenom, Sabah
URL : https://www.gotenom.com/marais-center/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/maraiscentertenom/

#EnchantingSabah #SabahOnsoi #CutiCutiMalaysia #VisitSabah   #MalaysiaAirlines #GayaTravel #AksesMalaysia 

Camping at Sunset Beach with Tembara Cruise Tuaran, Sabah

The sunset is nice huh!

There are 2 things that I underestimated Tembara, one was that I thought it will be JUST a another sunset (boy, was I wrong). Second, it is gonna be JUST another cruise (yeah yeah…. I was wrong. AGAIN).

Here is my story... It’ll be short. I promise. Swear (eyes rolling). We took the cruise, nothing fancy shmancy… Eh! Wait, let me back track abit.

First, we reach the Tembara Cruise jetty with the expectation that it is gonna be easy (I mean, susah sangat ke naik cruise. Duh….. ) but noooo…. We were required to experience cycling and kayaking. I was game on the cycling part, we were taken to the end point ie by the river (looks like a tiny beach to me), I saw a BBQ pit there… I remembered telling myself that it is a great spot to lepak and have picnic (BBQ would be better of course). It is also a great spot for Instagram. Swimming, nahhh…. I won’t remember as it is a huge river, there are currents kan.

After all the picture taking stuff, we cycled back to Tembara. Then we bumped into dogs in a verge of a fight, and guess what, one of my friend provoked it and they came running towards them. Since I was the last cyclist I decided to stop and not proceed, fearing the dog my turn around a chase me instead… my quick badass mind told me to turn right and into this huge compound and remain calm, and I did just that. Rupa-rupanya I turned into a cemetery, hemmm…. It is senja mind you. At that point of time, kena gigit anjing would probably be better than stuck in a cemetery at senja. Hahhahahaa….

I saw few folks waving at me (orang betul ke nih? Yup, that thought did cross my mind). They told me to come over as there were 3-5 dogs ‘running-amok’ (overdramatizing the whole situation, the dogs menyalak-nyalak ajer [acah gangster ler tew]). Anyway, the guide came to ‘escort’ me back to the Tembara. They then ask us to do a swap, those the cyclists are to experience the kayak and vice versa. I did not do the kayak so nothing to write lah kan *meh*.

The highlight

We were taken for a sunset cruise and my expectation was that we will be on the boat looking over the yonder kinda thingy. But to my surprise, we went to this island (if not, a peninsular of some sort) to catch the sunset and Sabah being Sabah, the hues were breathtaking. I was speechless.

This would be a cool thing to do

Camping (2 Days 1 Night Camping by the Sunset Beach)

Adult     : RM150 p/pax

Kids       : RM105 p/pax (4 to 12years old)

2 Days 1 Night Camping At The Beach

Day 1 - 3.30pm

In-house guide to conduct a safety briefing on kayaking (Depending on the currents, it’ll take approximately 30 - 60 minutes to the lagoon & Sunset Beach)

Put your tent up & make a bonfire before night fall. Once done, you'll then be transferred back to the jetty by boat for dinner and to freshen up.

Take the boat to watch fireflies making their appearance amidst mangrove.

Head back to your camp to enjoy the rest of the day.

Day 2 - 7.00am

Packed breakfast ready.

Depart back to the jetty by 7 o'clock.

Cost includes sunset kayak, life jacket, rescuer, guide, camping tent, campfire, dinner, fireflies sighting, packed breakfast, security guard and drinking water.

FAQ

Yes, ala-crate package is allowed

Only Tembara’s guest are allowed to go to the Sunset Beach (private beach)

Camping will be at the Sunset Beach *smile, wink, kiss*

Tembara respond time on their social media platform is 48-72hrs.

Tembara River Cruise

Kg. Benakal, Serusup

Tuaran, Sabah

Malaysia

Call: +60 16 838 3525

WhatsApp: +60 16 479 5319

Web : https://www.tembararivercruise.com/

The KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Cabana Retreat at Kudat, Sabah

I saw Diana Teo posted about this place few months back and guess what, I get to visit this very same place during this trip. And I knew I will fall in love with Cabana Retreat, true enough I did.

Photo heavy post. You have been warned. Hehhehhee….

You see, I have been exposed to the glamping seen for a while now and we are aware of glamping site all over Malaysia (the famous one that is) but I have to be honest, I have not seen one by the beach with a very Instagrammable spot (despite I don’t do selfies and stuff, I am still at awe tau).

They have activities such as banana boat, ATV, paddle boat, cycling, volleyball and many more. And worry not as their service is pretty much like proper hotel, and the amenities is great too – breakfast, pool, free wifi, housekeeping, in-room dining service, toiletries, open cinema and barbecue.

Travel Tips
Travel Tips 1 : Kota Belud to Cabana Retreat id 1.5hrs

Travel Tips 2 : It is running full house on weekends, so book early

Travel Tips 3 : Many Instagrammable spots, so pack baju lawa2 tau

Travel Tips 4 : Nearest town is far hence buy your titbits to bring it over

Travel Tips 5 : You can bring your own food and BBQ here (BBQ pit is FOC)

Travel Tips 6 : They cater for romantic dinner by the beach kinda thingy too

Travel Tips 7 : Shower and toilet are located outside tau (sejak bila dalam tent ada toilet kan kan. Hahhahahaa….)

Tent Type

Classic Tent (1 queen) x 5 units
Deluxe Queen Tent (2 queen) x 6 units
Deluxe Single Tent (2 single) x 5 units
Quad tent (4 single) x 2 units

Verdict

You have to come lar, at least try it once. It is really a super duper cool experience. My recommendations are to stay a night here and another night probably camp at Tegudon for stargazing experience. Alternatively, is to camp at Tembara to enjoy another beautiful sunset. Ish… banyak pulak option, macam nil ah… make sure you stay at least 5 days in Kota Kinabalu (outskirt included). Supaya tidak menyesal kemudian hari.

Cabana RetreatKampung Rampayan Laut
Jalan Kudat
Kota Belud
Sabah

Web : https://www.cabanaretreat.com/

The #KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Tegudon Tourism Village in Kota Belud, Sabah

Hear ye, hear ye

thee campers and stargazers

Tegudon Tourism Village is situated 15km from Kota Belud. Famous for its camping and stargazing sites, this rural lanscape comes with a scenic view of paddy fields, Wariou River flowing over the tiny waterfall with Mt. Kinabalu guarding its tranquility.

Photo credit to TTV Facebook Page

Photo credit to TTV Facebook Page

This place is just so serene and beautiful and you have the time, do stay a night here to enjoy the scenery, hike to Minorit Hill, Ponohuan Waterfall and Mt. Tambuyukon, try the tubing and stuff. Having said that, do choose your traveling month carefully, avoid raining season. And make sure to pick during the time when the paddy field is at its greenest most. As for stargazing activities, ask them the perfect month or perhaps stay during meteor shower. I bet it’ll be spectacular.

Photo credit to TTV Facebook Page and Cip @Ekahardiwito / Ekahardiwito Bin Subagio Purwito

Activities

Camping, stargazing, trekking to Minorit Hill + Ponohuan Waterfall + Mt. Tambuyukon, ‍bamboo rafting, fish feeding and picnic.

Others

Entrance fee : RM3

Camping fee : RM7

Tent : RM40 (4-6 pax tent)

Hut : RM15 per night

Tegudon Tourism Village

Jalan Nahaba

KotaBelud, Sabah

Web : https://www.facebook.com/tegudontourismvillage/

Photo credit to : Tegudon Tourism Village Facebook and Cip @Ekahardiwito / Ekahardiwito Bin Subagio Purwito

The KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Sabah | Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse

I am gonna tell you an interesting fact that I just learnt on Rungus Longhouse. I was so intrigued when I heard this.

Momogun Rungus is an ethnic group in Sabah (more in the northern part of Sabah) especially in Kudat. They are the sub-group of the Kadazan-Dusun, and have a distinctive language, dress, architecture, customs and oral literature. They are known for holding strongly to their culture and custom, and are thought to be the most traditional ethnic groups in Sabah. It comes as no surprise that many Rungus older generation folks still living in longhouses.

Rungus is famous for the beadwork known as Pinakol; a shoulder bands that is worn diagonally over each shoulder, crossing the chest and back like a sash. It usual contains 5 motifs/design/pattern ie Tiningulun representing a warrior, Tinompuling, a spear. Then there’s a gecko called Tinugarang, a wild flower named Vinusak and lastly Tinutub, a motif to complete the design.

We know that the Rungus longhouse is built using bamboo and all (well, I just got to know during this trip actually). Its interior is being divided into 2 areas – a long hall way where family can lepak, do kenduri works and etc, and partitions of room on the other side (per room consist of one family regardless the size of the family tau). Here's the thing...

#Funfact 1 : One longhouse can consist of one village. Like seriously hokkay.

#Funfact 2 : The room will be added as the family grew or get married. So, imagine lah how long this longhouse can be.

#Funfact 3 : Each room has its own kitchen (the room is pretty small, and please be reminded that per room consist of ONE family).

#Funfact 4 : There is a common kitchen qt the end of the long hall way. Yup! Proper kitchen with washing area and all. Tapi lupa nak ambek gambo pulak dah

#Funfact 5 : This is the INTERESTING part. When a family member passed away, they will make a 'hole' or 'a space' infront of the room hall way enough for the body to be carried down/out. The body WILL NOT be carried put thru the main entrance via the hall way.

Kg. Bavanggazo where the Rungus Longhouse is, is located near Tinangol in the Kudat district. It is about 41km from Kudat 100km from KK. You can stay here a night to experience Rungus delicacy, learnt their craft and enjoy their culture performances. There are also a few hiking tracks that can be arranged for you.

For up todate travel stories, follow me on my Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/lilyriani_travelholic/

Rungus Longhouse

Jalan Bavanggazo

Matunggong, Kudat

Sabah

The KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Sabah | Things To Do in Kudat

Been to Sabah and covered Mantanani (you can read it here) and early of this year I was lucky to be invited to cover Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Mabul. Lucky me huh…. Yet I have not been to the famous Tip Of Borneo ie Kudat. Yup, you guessed it right, I was insanely ecstatic when I got invited to cover Kudat and Kota Belud. In my mind was – Tip of Borneo, Pasar Tamu, Tegudon Tourism Village and Too Jou. What is Too Jou? Check it out here.

Many has visited Sabah and generally would cover Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu, Kudasang and Mabul. These are the towns favourited by Malaysian. One rarely heard of Kota Belud or Kudat… So I guess it is up to me then (ceh waaahh…) to share valuable information and tips on Kudat (Kota Belud later-later lah yek). So, aside from covering Kota Kinabalu or visiting the beautiful islands such as Sipadan, Mabul, Mataking and etc, you can also make a trip to Kudat. Here are a few tips/suggestions if you are heading to Kudat. 

1. Tip of Borneo

- Best to come in the evening, then catch the beautiful sunset

- I should think sunrise will be as good, since it is…. after all…. The tip of Borneo kan.

- Come here early, an hour or so before sunset, this will give you plenty of time to take photos at daylight and at sunset

- The rocks towards the end is rather slippery so be very careful

 2. Sumangkap Gong Village

- An important Rungus tribe musical instrument

- Entrance fee is RM3 for Malaysian and RM5 for non-Malaysian.

- The giant gong weighs 980kg and took 4 gongsmith 5 weeks to complete

-  Gong was a communication tool to send signals to other villagers. Different rhythm translate to good or bad news. Eg, slow rhythm means an invitation for a drink, fast indicates danger. Dying will starts with a slow beat ascending, where else death will be slow beat, prolonged.

3. Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse

- You can come here to look-see look-see or stay here for a night and experience Rungus lifestyle

- 3 to 3.5 hrs drive from Kota Kinabalu

- You can do a day-trip here

- For more details, click here

4. Learn surfing at Kalampunian Beach, Tip of Borneo

- We went to Blue Fin Surf And Dive

- Blue Fin offers accomoodation as well so you can stay here a d learn how to dive

- Best time to surf

>>> Southwest (May to September)

>>> Southwest monsoon (November to March)

Photo credit : Zarnizar, ashraf_suhaimi

5. Tambakan Fish Farm

- From RM180 which includes boat ride, snorkeling and lunch

- To book via travel agent or directly, I use Trek Finders Tour

- The lunch crazy giler sedap

Photo credit : Jaslin Puasa

#TravelTips

+ Do a 2D1N trip so that you don't rush youself

+ 3D2N trip if you wish to at surfing or/and the fish farm

+ Plan well as in distance looks near but due to the road condition, it might take longer time. Buffer additional 30mins or so.

+ Self drive is highly recommended BUT dp drive safely (no speedy)

+ Do visit cultural place to support local cottage tourism (beli lah souvenir sikit 😊)

+ You can stay in Kudat, there is plenty of places to select.

So how, interesting right *wink*.

The KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Too Jou Flashpacker Hostel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Too Jou (read : Tuju) is the new and trendiest hostel in Kota Kinabalu todate I would say.

I remembered the first time I saw the Too Jou, it was on Diana Teo Instagram post, she told me it’s a backpacker place, a hostel. But now that I am here, I realised that it is more of a flashpacker accommodation as the price range is rather steep for backapackers (especially local backpacker) as they provide a slightly upmarket value added services such as café, co-working place, roof top (still under reno), a slide (one of its cool features), instagrammable location, water dispenser, laundry room, free wifi and etc.

Just so we get it clear, there is a difference between a backpacker and a flashpacker, you guys do know this right? Here is what you get when googling flashpacker versus backpacker.

Flashpacker

Flashpacking is referring to an affluent backpacker. Whereas backpacking is traditionally associated with budget travel and destinations that are relatively cheap, flashpacking has an association of more disposable income while traveling and has been defined simply as backpacking with a bigger budget. Flashpacker as a rapidly growing segment of travelers who adhere to a modest accommodation and meal budget, while spending freely, even excessively, for activities at their chosen destination.

Backpacker

Backpacking is a form of low-cost, independent travel. It includes the use of a backpack that is easily carried for long distances or long periods of time; the use of public transport; inexpensive lodging such as youth hostels; often a longer duration of the trip when compared with conventional vacations; and often an interest in meeting locals as well as seeing sights.

Source : https://nomadsworld.com/what-type-of-traveler-are-you/ and Google.

Now that we got this out of the way, it easy for you guys to understand the price mechanism tend to be abit on the higher side as it provides comfort and convenience. The dorm starts from RM45 (as of Oct 2019) and traveller has the option to select either dorm room (4, 6 or 8 per room, female/male/mix), as for studio double or twin, the price ranges from RM150 per room (for 2 pax, I have googled and noticed that you can get lower price from other website on promo). For that amount of comfort, I highly recommend Too Jou.

Walking distance to :

7-10mins walk to Gaya Street (Sunday Market) and Atkinson Clock Tower

12-15mins walk to Centre Point

15-20mins walk from Filipino Market Sabah

And most importantly, it is walking distance of less than 20mins to these places – 99 Speedmart, KFC, 7-11, Biru Biru Café, kopitiam and mamak.

On the 1st floor there is a co-working space called OPIS where you can actually have a group discussion, a space to work, a common area for mingling as well a copier machine for work purpose and a pantry. How can we work with no F&B kan.

There are also snooker and foosball table for those who wishes to take a break from opis work *wink*.

Yes. There is also a washing machine and dryer on the OPIS floor so you can actually do your laundry and work (while waiting). How good is that kan.

How can you not like Too Jou *heart*.

Toojou Sdn Bhd 

12, Jalan Masjid Lama,

Bandaran Berjaya,

88000 Kota Kinabalu,

Sabah

Too Jou website : https://www.toojou.com/

The KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.